Ben Ryan was a vaudeville performer, skit and song writer who first
appeared on stage at the age of twelve. He toured for many years on the
vaudeville circuit with blues singer
Harriet Lee. Ryan is remembered as the
composer of
Jimmy Durante's trademark song
"Inka Dinka Doo" and such hit songs as "Heart of My Heart",
"M-I-S-S-I-S-S-P-P-I" and "When Frances Dances With Me". He had also
contributed material for comedians
Jack Benny,
Fred Allen
Groucho Marx and producer
George White.
Ben Ryan was a close friend of singer
Sophie Tucker and writer
Ring Lardner.